Wormbins

I just had a great phone conversation with some parents in our class. They had some technical difficulties with helping put together the Capital Cities project. I thought it might be a good opportunity to talk about technology, this blog and working together.

Firstly there has been a lot of discussion within the department about the need to incorporate technology into education. This includes everything from being able to learn new technologies through to being able to express yourself using all kinds of different media. We are trying to do this in our classroom by working on group projects, completing individual work and reflecting on our work using this blog.

To enable us to learn this way it’s important that we recognise two things:

• The process is more important than the product
• We need to share information

How you can help?

• Read the blog posts that give extra information on homework
• If you have difficulties share them with our little community of workers – make a comment
• If you have tips or extra information that can help us – make a comment
• Come to me in person or email me if you need extra help – maria.marshall@education.nsw.gov.au

Understanding technology is becoming increasingly important for me as a teacher and for our kids.
“Children and young people need to be empowered to keep themselves safe – this isn’t just about a top-down approach. Children will be children – pushing boundaries and taking risks. At a public swimming pool we have gates, put up signs, have lifeguards and shallow ends, but we also teach children how to swim.”  Link

Your experiences with technology so far. Please add a comment to this blog explaining:

• Your thoughts on the Capital Cities project. How much time did your family spend on the project? What did the kids get out of it? Did you have any particular problems? Eg difficulties adding narration. Remember you can also email me privately with your thoughts if you prefer.
• How important do you think it is that your child has access to technology and is comfortable using it?
• What do you think of being able to see examples of kids work on this blog?
• How do you feel about pictures of students being shared on this blog

Thanks for your support and any feedback!  I’m learning, the kids are learning and it’s an exciting and challenging time for us all.